Criminal Law

Criminal law deals with offences against the social order. Under the common law jurisdiction, crimes disturb the sovereign and it is up to the agents of the sovereign to prosecute those offenders. Criminal law is different from civil law. The main objective of criminal law is deterrence and punishment, while that of civil law is compensation.

Criminal offences contain two different elements that determine the extent of the offence – the physical act and the mental state in which the act was done. The criminal law also allows the defences to defend their acts to bring about lesser or negate their criminal responsibility and specifies the punishment appropriate for the criminal act. Criminal law does not need a victim or the consent of the victim to be prosecuted as an offender.

Criminal law has been set up to regulate the behaviour of individuals and groups so that they follow the social norms. If you think you have been falsely accused of a criminal act, you might need the services of a competent and professional criminal lawyer to help you out. Since criminal laws can be quite complicated and complex, it is best to hire an experienced lawyer to ensure that the case goes in your favour.